Homes transfer move criticised

Black and ethnic minority people will be disproportionately
affected if Birmingham Council transfers 30 residential homes for
older people to the independent sector, according to a study
published this week.

The Centre for Public Services examined the social and economic
impact of the proposed transfer to a not-for-profit trust. The
controversial scheme is the subject to a high court battle over
whether the plans violate residents’ human rights.

The research was carried out on behalf of Birmingham Unison and
campaign group Residents Action Group for the Elderly (Rage), which
is mounting the legal challenge. It claims that 280 jobs would be
lost, while the remaining 1,120 staff would lose out
financially.

But a Birmingham Council spokesperson said it did not expect
there to be any job losses as a result of the transfer and said
transferred staff would retain existing terms and conditions.

Rage has sent the report to the House of Commons select
committee on health.